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ROBERT J. TROPAK Obituary pic

ROBERT J. TROPAK

Date of Passing: Oct 09, 2014

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ROBERT J. TROPAK LLB, BSW October 9, 2014 It is with profound sadness and much love that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert J. Tropak. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Shelagh, family pet Blackjack of Edmonton, mother Elizabeth of Winnipeg, brother John (Silke), nephews Nick (Alicia), their daughter Anna, Joe (Yeori), their son Jack, all of Calgary. Also left to mourn are mother-in-law Patricia Hamilton, sister-in-law Laura Hamilton of Calgary, brother-in-law Jeff (Laura) of Winnipeg, nieces Tara (Rob) of Gatineau, Jamie (Jazur) of Winnipeg, extended family and numerous friends throughout Canada. Robert was predeceased by his father John, October 9, 1989. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Robert received his B.S.W. (Bachelor of Social Work) from the University of Manitoba 1975, was on the Dean's Honour List 1972-1973 and recipient of the Max Margolis Prize 1973-1974, 1974-1975. Rob returned to the University of Manitoba to peruse his life-long dream of becoming a lawyer. He graduated from the Faculty of Law 1991, articled for the Federal Department of Justice and was called to the Manitoba bar 1992 and the Alberta bar 2007. While attending University in the 1970s, he was a part-time counsellor with the Manitoba Youth Centre, Student Parole Officer with the Parole Service and Audio-Visual Coordinator for the School of Social Work in Winnipeg. In May of 1975, Rob joined the National Parole Service, as a Parole Service Officer, resided briefly in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan as Assistant Coordinator of Community Resources, Prairie Regional Headquarters. During the 1980s Rob held the positions of Head of Living Units, and Assistant Warden for Stony Mountain Institution in Manitoba. Working with Winnipeg Parole, and Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), he was a Manager for the Manitoba-North Western Ontario District (CSC), including Area Director and Acting District Director of that district as well as Deputy Warden for Rockwood Institution, frequenting Edmonton during this time. During the 1990s Rob began practicing family law and civil litigation, from 1999 to 2001, Rob served as the Prairie Regional Chairperson for the National Joint Committee of Senior Corrections and Justice Officials, past President of the Canadian Criminal Justice Association (CCJA). Leaving Manitoba family and friends behind, Rob returned to Edmonton and was appointed to the National Parole Board, Prairie Region which he served as a board member for a five year term. In 2007 he joined Attia, Reeves, Tensfeld & Snow and where he built a successful family law practice and never looked back. Rob was an intensively private person, fiercely loyal with family, friends and clients. There was nothing Rob would not do for his family and close friends who he loved unconditionally. Often, he could be heard raving about his nephews Nick and Joe and how very proud he was of them. His gregarious nature and huge personality was not overshadowed by his physical stature. Rob was a handsome man, standing 6'5 3/4'', (thick) brown hair and brown eyes, signature moustache (which he sported for many years, until recently) and big beautiful smile. Besides the occasional pair of jeans, Rob's favourite colours were black and white, his wardrobe represented absurdly so, teased by family and friends regularly. Equipped with Ping clubs, Titleist 2 balls, "Blackjack" loved golfing with his brother John, friends, from Rossmere Golf and Country Club, Winnipeg. He took great delight anticipating the annual golf trips to Phoenix, stating, "I've got this figured out!" Spending his birthdays in Cancun with Shelagh, walking the beach (end to end) and snorkeling were some his favourite pastimes, swimming with turtles in Hawaii, sting rays in Grand Cayman and dolphins in Cancun. Taking his Mom on a cruise for her 90th birthday remains one of his fondest memories. Leaving the jag at home, he walked everywhere he could, often with Blackjack in tow. Rob enjoyed walking other cities, Montreal, Ottawa, New York City, San Francisco, and Vancouver, modern and contemporary museums, art galleries and architecture topping the list of attractions. With a keen sense of style, design, and tape measure in hand, Rob relished in revising floor plans, exteriors and constructing life-size cardboard furniture. In his youth, Rob was an accomplished accordion player, attending the Ted Komar Accordion School and entering into the Manitoba Music Competition Festivals in Winnipeg. His musical tastes were vast from early Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Holliday, Vivaldi, Yoyo Ma, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Jessie Cook, Leonard Cohen, Guns n' Roses, to name but a few. Equally, with robust enthusiasm, he cooked and entertained as often as possible: among his favourites, pasta carbonara, BBQ ribs (with homemade sauce), lobsters, banana flambé plus many more delicious creations. He also appreciated restaurants, bars and joked of ownership of such establishments upon his retirement. When it was appropriate to do so, Rob enjoyed volunteering in the political arena in Manitoba, working tirelessly, making life-long friends along the way. Rob's other love was the law. Honesty and integrity paramount, it was difficult to differentiate between the lawyer and the man because they were so naturally intertwined. Intelligent and witty, he was a gifted story-teller, laughing at the situations' he often found himself in. Throughout Rob's life, his kind demeanor amplified, it was not out of character for him to help (or come to the rescue) of complete strangers caught in difficult or challenging circumstances. Isaiah 43:25-26 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence." Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Joseph's Basilica, 10044 - 113 Street, Edmonton, AB at 1:00 p.m., October 25, 2014. The family extends sincere appreciation to Dr. Dhawan, nurses and staff, Cross Cancer Institute Dr. Nijjar, nurses and staff, Oncologist, Dr. Joy, nurses and staff, Department of Symptom Control and Palliative Care, Dr. Hewitt, nurses and staff, Home and Palliative Care nurses and staff, Royal Alexandria Hospital Emergency doctors, nurses and staff, Dr. Voldeng, 5th floor nurses and staff, Palliative Care Program Dr. Ana Hermosa Garcia, nurses and staff, Grey Nuns Palliative care consultant Selina, Edmonton General 9Y Hospice nurses and staff. A special thank you to Dr. Hasinoff, Cindy and staff for their amazing care and compassion. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Robert's memory to Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB T6g 1Z2, online albertacancer.ca/donate/in-memory To send condolences please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home Downtown Chapel (780) 422-2222

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2014

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

  • I'm so sorry, Shelagh, for your untimely loss and my delay in writing. It is hard to accept that Rob, who was so energetic, friendly and vital, is no longer with us. One of my fondest memories was dinner with my daughter at your lovely home when he tried to explain our history to my daughter. I don't think she bought his glowing comments but I sure appreciated his effort! He was a gourmet chef and his lamb shank was the best meal I ever had. I have so many fond memories of your wonderful husband! - Posted by: Jim Phelps (Colleague and friend) on: Nov 19, 2014

  • I am so sad that this day has come. Rob was a great friend, mentor and political playmate. He believed in living life on a big scale, with Lemon Hart rum and coke in hand and he did have fun along the way! Whenever you asked him how he was doing his answer 100% of the time was "wonderful". He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Shelagh, Blackjack and the rest of the family. - Posted by: Bobbi Taillefer (Ethier) (friend) on: Oct 23, 2014

  • Rob was a great friend, and a life mentor. When we met in law school Rob had already lived some life while some of us were just starting out in the adult world. Rob would be amused as we naively recoiled at the unfairness in some of the law we studied. He'd then smile knowingly, and say quietly in that deep voice "let me tell you how it really is". Rob would share his wisdom tirelessly over the years: over drinks at his condo, nights on the town and later, over a telephone line. Always with a big smile on his face, always with an even bigger heart. You will be missed, my friend. - Posted by: Evan Roitenberg (Friend and Law Classmate) on: Oct 23, 2014

  • I will forever miss you. Your voice, I will keep with me always. Your kindness, and modesty, I will always remember. Ever the gentleman. - Posted by: Michelle (friend) on: Oct 23, 2014

  • Shelagh, you are in our thoughts now, and will be as you pursue life with your memories of Rob. Rob was a true friend, a realist, accepting of what was, optimistic regarding the possible, always interested, supportive and encouraging. Goodbye my friend. You will be sorely missed. Henry and Sonia - Posted by: Henry Parker (Friend) on: Oct 23, 2014

  • I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Tropak's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and his staff during this challenging time. - Posted by: Sue Seamans (business) on: Oct 22, 2014

  • I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Lisa Gibbons-Fairweather (friend of family (Shelagh's side)) on: Oct 21, 2014

  • I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rob! I can't believe he is gone! John, Silke, Nick and Joseph, you must be devastated and miss Rob so much already, you both has a special connection and your memories of the good times will bring you comfort! Elizabeth, I cannot imagine the sadness you must feel. Losing a child at any age, is the hardest loss. Shelagh, I have never met you, but can only imagine losing your life partner too soon and how sad you must be! I was only part of Rob's early life but I am sad to know he is no longer with us! My heart and thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time. Debbie Ringaert (Anderson) - Posted by: Debbie Ringaert (Anderson) (Friend for twenty years.) on: Oct 21, 2014

  • Having known Rob since our university days, I always thought of him as invincible, tenacious and influential in everything he did. I can hardly imagine that he has been taken away so soon. True to his north end roots, and his upbringing by his mother, Rob was always modest about his many accomplishments and was equally at home at the board room table or in some run down house with a client, he treated everyone the same. I will never forget the great times we had living together during university days and early careers, our many ski trips to Whistler BC, budget road trips to California, lots of parties, and riding around in his various Nissan sports cars (black and white). We played basketball together in the senior men's league in Winnipeg for many years where Rob was a very effective centre at 6ft 6 in even though he could not dunk the ball! (bursitis in his shoulder). He made up for that with his drive! He lived life to it's fullest. Rob leaves a big hole in everyone's lives especially Shelagh, and his mom and Johnny, but that is his legacy. Jim Wolfe - Posted by: jim wolfe (life long friend) on: Oct 20, 2014

  • As a Clerk with the Queen's Bench of Edmonton, I would like to express how sad I am to hear of Mr. Tropak's passing. He was always a pleasure to work with, and always had the time to chat and joke about whatever may be happening at the time. His style always present, he was a class act. He will be missed greatly. - Posted by: Julie () on: Oct 20, 2014

  • Great guy, had good memories, will be missed. - Posted by: Paul friesen (Friend) on: Oct 19, 2014

  • We are very shocked & sorry to learn of Rob's passing. He certainly had accomplished a lot during his lifetime. Please accept our sincere condolences. Cousin Antoinette & spouse Len Bugera Winnipeg, MB. - Posted by: Antoinette & Len Bugera (cousin & spouse) on: Oct 19, 2014

  • I am so sorry to hear of Rob's passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family, especially his brother Johnny. - Posted by: shelley anderson (sister in law) on: Oct 19, 2014

  • Rob was a solid rock on which to lean throughout law school; he was my sober second thought on innumerable occasions since then; and he revealed his tactical brilliance every time I sought out his legal advice regarding a case. His insights, his ability to cut through irrelevancies to quickly identify the heart of the matter, his generosity of time and spirit, and his hardy laughter will always be remembered with fondness and gratitude. He positively influenced the lives and careers of many, including my own. Thank you Rob. Although you left us too soon, you cannot escape our hearts and thoughts. - Posted by: Edward Sapiano (Law school colleague and life-long friend) on: Oct 19, 2014

  • I am totally shocked to hear of Rob's Passing. As a client, and a person who never used lawyers much at all. Rob worked very hard for 5 yrs on my case, he was always honest and straight up with me which I loved as he wasn't like the others one hears about. He was the type of person I would have loved to have had the opportunity to know better maybe even as a friend. As a personal note I think he worked too much but again I feel that that is who he was, wanting to help people out like me. My heart goes out to his family, another great man called back home for a good reason - Posted by: Doug Collins (Client) on: Oct 18, 2014

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